My great-aunt made this every Sunday during the depression and the tradition lives on in our family. So simple but the flavors are unreal!

to keep the slices roughly the same thickness as the potatoes so everything cooks evenly and softens at the same time.
Thinly sliced potatoes and onions ready for layering
In a small bowl, stir together the flour, salt, and pepper (if using). This simple mixture will lightly coat the layers and help turn the butter and onion juices into a silky, almost gravy-like coating as everything cooks.
Arrange a single, even layer of potato slices on the bottom of the slow cooker, overlapping slightly like shingles. Scatter a layer of